The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast hinterlands are among the hot spots, with blazes in recent days at Pomona, Peregian Springs and Booroobin (west of Glass House Mountains) and Yarrabilba (near Tamborine).

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Acting Superintendent, Russell Thompson, said conditions were “right up there’’ with the worst seen.

Superintendent Thompson said the danger season usually started in September and eased in December as humidity increased.

However, he said this year it would arrive early – within weeks – and without significant rain, could be protracted, and end as late as March.

“We had a few years of wet weather and then a (fire) season last year that wasn’t too bad. Unfortunately, this means we are in a worse position as there’s a very heavy fuel load,’’ he said.

“The conditions are going to beat us unless we get rain.’’

An El Nino weather pattern predicted for Queensland is likely to bring drier than normal conditions, adding to the concern.

Winter frosts have exacerbated the situation, killing off grass and making it more combustible.